Markets and Cultural Voices
Liberty vs. Power in the Lives of Mexican Amate Painters
Tyler Cowen
Explores the world of three Mexican artists to reveal how globalization shapes their lives
About the Book
In this intriguing and accessible book, Tyler Cowen explores the world of three amate artists, painting on paper made from the bark of trees from the mulberry family. Amate painting is an indigenous art form but one sold almost exclusively to wealthy North American art buyers or patrons. Cowen examines this cultural interaction between Mexico and the United States, showing how globalization shapes the lives and work of the artists and their families. He finds that, while the market for amate painting creates economic opportunities for the artists, it also has serious detrimental effects on the village.
Tyler Cowen is Professor of Economics at George Mason University. His previous books include In Praise of Commercial Culture and What Price Fame?
